Friday, October 9, 2015

Top 40 Fall Picks

Summer is over, fall is here, and winter is coming up... just watch. I always love shopping for new seasons, especially winter. I mean i know fall JUST started, but I can't hide this winter love affair of mine. Who doesn't love coats, sweater paws, thigh high socks, etc etc? It's safe to say I live for winter, even though we don't really get it here, in California. It really makes me miss London even more. I could wear coats in London and not be looked at like I was trying to get heatstroke. I mean we get a week of winter, here, if we're lucky... IF.

Anyways, I made a wishlist of some things I've had my eye on, planning to get, wishing for, or just found online and want in my hands. Let me warn you, it's a lot. I'll bold my absolute favorites and italicize anything I've either already ordered or just have already. I'll also try and group items by store/website/and all that jaz. Check it out below.


First stop is Revolve


1. The Oshea Booties from Jeffrey Campbell
First of all, can we talk about the color? It's perfect for fall. The reds with brown undertones are in, and I need these on. Hint hint: I'm obsessed with boots. Can Santa or Jack Skellington (he's like the Santa of Autumn) bring these to me tomorrow?





Then we have Nasty Gal

I guess you can tell my boot obsession can sometimes overlap with my Jeffrey Campbell obsession. These are just a pair of booties that anyone could benefit from and aren't so typical. The lace up detail adds a bit of a cheeky flair. Then, they also go with pretty much anything and can easily be dressed up or down. Plus, black is an all seasons color so hey!





White Fox is a website I've only recently come across, and it definitely caught my eye

3. Boyfriend Ripped Jeans from White Fox
I'm all about the skinny jeans, but I've been on the hunt for a good pair of boyfriend jeans lately. They just look so comfy, and so many people have raved about them. Besides, I saw Amrezy, on instagram, rocking these, and I was sold. The best part is that the rips make them edgier, so they don't quite look like I stole my mom's jeans from back in the day. I think they have white and lite wash? The ones I was sold on, though, were the black and the dark wash. I'm all about wearing these with a cute heel or booties and an old band tee shirt or with a sleek heel and a white halter. It's just a nice staple piece to have in your closet. Fall Must Have!

Urban Outfitters is one of my favorite shops, and I can't ever walk in without a piece I absolutely love

4. Magdalena Boot from Dr. Martens
If they aren't Jeffrey Campbell, they must be Docs. That's how it usually seems to work with me, now. I am crazy for Docs! I've had two pairs of Docs, before--they were on my feet almost 24/7--but they've outlived their days. Basically, I need to restock my Doc Martens. These are perfect for that. They have the perfect little femininity with that rockier edge that comes with all Docs, essentially I'll be able to dress them up or down. If I know I'm going to be traveling, I'd probably make these one of the few pairs I take with me, because they really are so versatile. These aren't specific to just either, so I'd wear them all year round. Besides all of that... the quality, I mean c'mon. I already know they would last a long time... I mean Docs are really good quality. Fall Must Have!





5. Scallop-Edge A-Line Skirt from Cooperative
The color is fall, and I'm just all over it. It'd be awesome with a pair of classic docs and this over sized band tee, maybe tucked into the skirt. It's the perfect lazy day but cute outfit. I just say yes yes yes. This outfit needs to come to life!











Morphe Brushes is a cool website where I've found myself purchasing brushes a lot, lately, but they also have makeup! I actually got my first brush set from them, too (such an AMAZING quality).

6. 350 Palette by Morphe Brushes
This is the perfect Fall palette. I finally ordered it online, and I'm so so excited to get it. Besides, Jaclyn Hill made a tutorial on it and recommended it. Anyone who knows me has heard me say this, too... If Jaclyn Hill says I need it, I get it! Really, though, this is an awesome awesome palette, and it's worth the money. My friend, Jax, loves loves Morphe and is the one who got me to start trying their stuff. I haven't looked back since! Thank you, Jax! Sadly, it sold out in about 4 and a half hours, but it'll be back! This is definitely a MUST HAVE!




I'm always shopping online at Missguided, and it's definitely one of those places I have bookmarked and ready for when I want to revamp my closet.

7. High Neck Turtle Neck Knitted Midi Dress Rust
I'm typically not into midi dresses, since I'm only 5'5. I'm pretty sure the best way to describe my legs are hobbit-like. I have a longer torso, I think, but I'm told that makes me a good swimmer? I mean I guess being a mermaid is just in me. Anyways, I'm also not a fan of the whole ribbed sweater material on a dress, but this is so fall. I figure I can't diss it until I try it. I keep thinking this style wouldn't work on me, but I've seen so many people rocking it. It's time to take a plunge and give it a try, so what better time than in fall and with Missguided? 








8. Sinner High Waisted Extreme Rip Skinny Jeans Black
We're back to jeans! These are skinny jeans, though. I'm a loyal skinny jeans wearer, especially black jeans. I also love that these have rips. I'm all about the rips. Besides, you can never have enough pairs of jeans, so of course these pair of jeans are a MUST HAVE! 












Topshop is ultimately one of my other favorite shops, and I probably love it even more than UO.

9. Cord Button Front A-Line Skirt
I'm really feeling these button up skirts, right now, and this color is so fall. I've actually been looking at this skirt for a while. It's been giving me Coachella feels mixed with fall. It's just a nice staple piece to have, as well. This style keeps popping up everywhere, so why not? It'd look great with this black top.












Now, this is a shop I just came across, but Tobi definitely knows what fall is all about.

10. Keeley Tied Romper
I'm a fan of rompers. They just work well and give this long leg illusion. This one, in particular, is fulfilling my dreams, this season. All it needs is those Docs (#4) or the Campbell booties (#2) and a black leather jacket to complete the look.













11. Fit To Be Tied Skirt
Okay, so this might not scream fall, but it absolutely screams staple piece. I love love neutrals. The color, the pattern... this is a must. It's edgy chic and a nice twist to a typical skirt. This skirt would make for an awesome city outfit. Besides, I've been looking for a skirt like this for a few months and whoever said no white after labor day CLEARLY didn't take into consideration this awesome awesome creation.











A shop I've been going to since the beginning of high school... maybe even before(?) has been Forever 21, and they have quite a selection to pick from (that's always a plus)

12. Lace-Up Over-the-Knee Boots
Okay, I've been wanting these awesome Jeffrey Campbell lace up boots from Free People since... forever, but I can't get myself to spend the money($300+) on them, since I do tend to get boots a lot. I wouldn't be wearing them every day... I feel like I'd be wasting money, even though I would wear the heck out of them. Okay, okay... I'm basically sabotaging myself into not buying them, and I'm not sure why. Anyways, these are a much cheaper alternative. These are open-toed, however, but they'd look awesome with a pair of denim shorts or some flowy rompers.









13. Orbit Midi Ring Set and Layered Matchstick Drop Necklace
I love getting jewelry from Forever. I mean it's not like they last forever. Things rust and that's that. What I love is that Forever has a lot of choices for quite affordable prices compared to the other shops. I tend to go for the dainty pieces on a daily basis, and these are perfect. I do like a statement piece here and there, but less is usually more. These have a perfect bit of edge with them while not being overwhelming. I always see fall as a season to let the leather jackets, boots, and bags do more of the talking and keeping the jewelry simple.


Lurelly is a new shop to me. They have the most stunning dresses, though... let me just emphasis that a bit more. Lurelly has the most STUNNINGLY GORGEOUS dresses. It's one of those shops that makes me wish my life was full of events that required exquist dresses. Yeah. Can all of my friends get married?


14. Noir Dress by Lurelly
Like I said, this shop has stunning dresses. Granted, I probably can't go grocery shopping in these, but I could try. lol I do love looking through their catalog and drooling, but this time I found something that I very much want ASAP. The perfect little black dress. Now, black dresses are a must, regardless of the season. Lurelly has this perfect dress with just enough edge. Knowing me, I'm ready to throw on a leather jacket on top with slicked back hair and an intense smoky eye. It'd be the perfect fancy date night outfit. It's a staple piece for me, so by default I need to deem this a MUST HAVE! Also, we need to take a moment to acknowledge Bryana Holly, who has been everywhere lately. She's stunning, and if anyone could sell this dress it's her.




This may be our most exciting stop yet, Zara. I adore this shop far too much, and it's one of those shops where I let myself splurge more than I should. It can be a bit on the pricey side, but it carries items with amazing quality without the insane price tag.

15. Scarves
Just because California isn't the most spirited in regards to Fall weather doesn't mean that other places aren't cold. Soooo, this fall pick is a little more targeted to those lovely places in the world. (PS I'm jealous) Anyways, I'm all about softness and Zara has that. I mean, think about it... I do. If I'm going to buy a nice scarf, I'd like it to live for years... none of that tugging and ripping or anything. Oh, and the whole nice until you wash it and it gets fuzzy? NOPE. That's why I love Zara. Their products will stay the same. Okay, back to the scarves. The two fall scarves that caught my eye are as follows... The first one was a rich dark brown, like the color of hot chocolate before you throw some marshmallows on top, YUM. The second comes in a variety of colors. One of those colors was an orange brick hue, but it had a brown undertone... so no, don't let the mention of orange scare you; it was stunning. Then there was a black and white one... wow. This one just sang my name in every pitch. The last was in a maroon tint, but I was just so drawn to the black and white one before it, that it was overshadowed. I mean the black and white scarf just drew me in. It wasn't the colors but the detail of the black and white colors together that made me say YES! Talk about a staple piece!


16. Leather High Heel Ankle Boots
These are quite something else. The blocked boots have made a comeback and are everywhere. These, however, are more than just a blocked heel. They have a twist, and they give me a bit of  Hocus Pocus feels, to be honest... it's in a good way, though. They vibe me rock n roll, and I'm ready to sport these at a concert with a beer in hand and my favorite leather jacket on my back. Plus, Zara shoes are insane quality. These boots would be my ankles' dream. Don't forget the tiny illusion of longer legs that these give you... and you can bet that I want that illusion. These are selling so fast, and my size is gone (say it aint so). I'll wait, though, because they are a MUST HAVE!



17. Croc And Chain City Bag 
We're all familiar with Chanel here, right? I mean we don't have to own said brand to know what it is. We at least all know that the price tag attached to a Chanel bag is crazy, and I might as well sell my soul to four different demons in order to afford a Chanel bag (that was a joke btw). Well, this is an awesome dupe for a specific bag of theirs which I've been wanting for quite some time. Anyone who loves Chanel probably knows what bag I'm referring to. Anyways, this had all the lights guiding me to it when I saw it. I'm quite the picky one with my bags, but I can't help it. It's not about the brands, but I can't help when I'm aware that certain brands just make things that I tend to like A LOT. I mean it might have been while I watched The Hills and Lauren Conrad got her Chanel bag for Christmas that I realized that not only was she my favorite, but she also shared my love for Chanel. Off topic, huh? Well this bag is classic with the perfect little edge that I look for in my buys. That simple. I want it. I want it. I want it.

18. Faux Leather Biker Trousers
Rock chic. That's what I breathe. I love being put together but being different. I'm about the leather and zippers. I'm about the cool boots and silver/pastel hair. I like going from beach girl to I might be the lead guitarist of this band... you don't know. Fall is when all of the bands are touring and, I'll be wearing these at 4/7 shows, because it won't be too hot/ too cold; it'll be leather pants season aka FALL.










19. Leather Jackets
With leather pants come... wait for it, wait for it... Drum roll, please... LEATHER JACKETS. The more zippers and buckles... THE BETTER. I mean as long as we don't hit bedazzled levels. You don't want TOO MUCH going on with your jackets, either. I got my favorite leather jacket, to date, from Zara last year in Paris. It's perfect for layering and is perfect for all weathers. Take not that I wear leather jackets all year round, but it just so happens that Autumn is the "accepted" time for leather jackets. That only means that every shop and their outlet counterparts are fully stocked with tons of different options. Now, I've learned that Zara is the best shop for jackets. Like I said earlier, Zara carries high end quality without the insane high end price tag. This one for example is a little different than the usual fitted jackets I go for, but you better believe I'm already loving it! MUST HAVE!

Nordstrom is next on the list, and it's another great shop. Prices vary, but the quality doesn't.

20. Faux Leather Jacket by BLANKNYC
Sticking with the leather jacket theme, this is a gorgeous one. It's a great option and is perfect if you prefer the more fitted structure. It's great quality and for added bonus is just under $100.















21. Watches (Daniel Wellington, Larsson & Jennings, Fossil, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors)
I have zero watches. I had a wrap around, but it has long been dropped over the London Bridge, and it's time for a new one. Watches make me feel grown up, and at 21 it's time I embrace adulthood... or pretend to. Besides, watches are pretty, and they tell time. Sometimes you can't tell where the hands are really pointing... I mean it's blank... Is it pointing at 2 or 8? Where are my imaginary lines? Anyways, I found some neat watches that my bank account would hate me for, but I really do want them all. Daniel Wellington is up first. Larsson & Jennings is another watch that's sleek and simple. This option is all blacked out, though, and quite more on the pricey side. I'm sure you've seen this one all over instagram. The leather strap makes me crave it like a leather jacket from Zara. It really is simple and nice, though. Now, the whole "boyfriend" style isn't just popular in jeans. It's come over into the watches department as well. This Fossil watch is referred as the "perfect boyfriend" while still being significantly feminine. Back to the darker watches. Marc Jacobs has this rounded watch, also blacked out with an added gold accent like the Larsson one but with a nicer price tag that won't attempt to bankrupt you. Michael Kors also has this option for the black watch lovers, like me, but this one also has a bit of that "boyfriend" style (I actually really like this one... a lot). Some other options from Michael Kors include this wrap around watch, which is a nice color change as well, and the last option, which is a rose gold watch that perfectly combines the boyfriend style with the right pinch of femininity. All of these watches are absolutely great picks. Think Fall with your Starbucks in one hand, cloud-like scarf wrapped around your neck and one of these beauties on your wrist. I say at least one of these watches is a MUST HAVE!



22. Rare Earth Deep Pore Cleansing Masque by Kiehl's
Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean that skin routines are. This is a great new addition to that. I'm not a pore lover, and I haven't met anyone who is. This is one of those little helpers that can really make a difference when getting rid of all the nasties that summer left behind in your pores.





Onto my favorite makeup shop, Sephora. Not only do they have great products, but their customer service is by far the best.

23. Soy Face Cleanser by Fresh
This is what I live by. If I stop using it and switch out to try something else, my skin isn't nearly as happy. It's refreshing and cleansing without being rough on your skin. I have sensitive skin, but I still want something that does its job. I have oily dry skin. It's not the most fun combination, but this cleanser is the answer. When I use this, my skin feels more moisturized and doesn't get as oily. I'm sure any type of skin would love this, though. This is the biggest MUST HAVE!






24. Naked Smoky by Urban Decay
The perfect neutral palette for a perfect smoky eye. It's been everywhere: instagram, tumblr, twitter, snapchat, etc. The pigmentation is great, as well as the blend ability. And, although it is called the smoky palette, it has those lighter shades that make it more practical. It's a palette that is truly wearable, and I find looks amazing on more than one skin complexion. It's portable with the big mirror and dual ended brush. If you're like me and especially love a good smoky eye, then this is a palette worth your time.






25. Roller Lash Curling & Lifting Mascara by Benefit Cosmetics
This is by far my holy mascara. I've gotten everyone I mention this to to buy it. I've bought it for 4 of my friends and converted them. Say goodbye to flash extensions and the hassle of curling your lashes or needing multiple coats. This is it. MUST HAVE!










Of course Lolita is the obvious Fall pick for lips, but Jeffree Star Cosmetics offers a few other great options.

26. Velour Liquid Lipsticks by Jeffree Star Cosmetics
Everyone went through the Lime Crime ditch and switch. The big concern was finding quality lipsticks that were liquid and dried matte. We needed them to not flake, though, and to not be drying. We basically wanted Kat Von D with a bigger stock and more pastels. Jeffree Star has that. When products go out of stock, they don't take long to come back, which is AMAZING! The choices are growing as well. All of the colors are just stunning and so pigmented. The formula is amazing and, they're vegan + cruelty free! Oh, and did I mention that you don't have to worry about credit card scams? Yeah, that's always nice. Anyways, I'd recommend all of these shades, even the ones I don't own. I mean I want them all. I only have a few and have borrowed some of my friend's... I have yet to be disappointed. First up is the bundle. Get it. I should actually get it. It comes with 3 lipsticks: Masochist (a red that's more on the hot pink side), Dominatrix (a beautiful milk chocolate that looks like if the prettiest tree trunk and porcelain had a baby... I know weird but stunning), and Dirty Money (this is more of a pastel green with a light grey under tone that says I'm a soft Slytherin or Medusa). Next is Posh Spice. This is a color that Kylie Jenner would wear with the taupe nude feel; it's perfect. Celebrity Skin is also a classic Kylie Jenner would, could, should, and probably will. It's a peachy brown nude that's soft and makes your lips look nice and plump. The second to last is the perfect red, the classic red lip... someone cue Taylor Swift here; it's Redrum. Regardless of the season, everyone always needs a classic red. Last, but not least is Unicorn Blood. The name couldn't suit this color any better if it even tried. It's the perfect burgundy with a brown undertone and a beauty that could only be made for fall. It's so beautiful it must come from unicorns. There's no debate, all of these lip colors are Must HAVES!

Asos is my one stop shop. It's where I drop by with my credit card when I want an outfit asap that looks like 30k but doesn't cost me 30k.

27. Chunky Sole Over the Knee Boots by River Island
I've been lusting over these for a quick second and have decided they're necessary. Fall isn't exactly cold or hot here. I mean it's mainly hot, but there are those slightly less hot days with bits of rain. Anyways, these are perfect for either of those. I could wear shorts or dresses and throw these boots on to keep my legs warm or just wear to look cute. They're not thick, so they wouldn't be uncomfortable on the more usual hot days.









28. Leather Tie Up Heeled Pumps by River Island
You thought the leather was over? Oh no. These are wrap around and leather.... AND BLACK! These couldn't be more meant for me even if they had my name stamped on them. Plus, they're pointed. If I'm going to wear a close-toed heel it better be pointed. You can't ignore the price, either. I've definitely seen heels like these run for $1K+, so these are a bargain compared to those.












29. Wrap Ponchos by Kiboots
These had me at wrap and lost me at Ponchos. I've never been a poncho type of gal. I've always found them unflattering, but I've been converted. These two little numbers (the black based option and the red based option) have me thinking I was wrong. All these ponchos require are a belt and TADAH! You're walking around as if you just left a runway. I mean these are perfect for those days that are feeling a bit chilly, but you don't want to sacrifice your style or comfort. They're the new capes. Capes were insanely big last Fall. This Fall it's about the poncho. MUST HAVE!


30. Coat With Waterfall Front And Belt by Asos Collection
This is just stunning! The color, the design.... it's impeccably constructed. This color was made for Fall in the city. It's the coat you throw on so casually but somehow look put together. It takes a simple black outfit and MAKES it. MUST HAVE!











31. Hats
What's Fall without hats? I'm talking this fedora and/or floppy hats (black or nero). Hats like coats and all other accessories hold more power, during Fall, than usual. It's the time when society deems it okay to wear these things regularly. 




32. Turtleneck Knitwear
You mean sweater paws? Well, sign me up! I'm a sucker for sweater paws. I just love the oversized sweaters that you can hibernate in but are cute enough to go out in as well. This navy sweater in mohair, for instance is perfect! Asos has a bunch of these. The turtleneck is a nice twist to the usual over sized sweater. Then there's this awesome sleeveless tunic from New Look which is just as adorable and has the knitwear comfort but lacks the sweater paws. ): You can never go wrong with these colors. It's always cool to have pop of colors, but neutrals are essentials. Either way, they're both staple pieces for a Fall and general wardrobe.

33. Layering Necklace Multipack by Paper Dolls
Layers layers layers. It's the season to layer clothes, hair, and necklaces. This set is just right. Everything else is taking the spotlight, so it's better to keep the jewelry simple. These are just that. They're simple but memorable. Dainty but chic. Yes yes yes. Plus, the alternating chain colors make this a bigger yes.











Mistress Rocks is a site I came across on Tumblr that I've found myself going back to a lot this past week.

34. Gunsmoke Tan Suedette Asymmetric Dress
I first saw this dress on Tumblr and couldn't stop looking for it. A few posts later, I saw Kylie Jenner wearing it, so it wasn't long until everyone wanted to know where it was from. Thank you, Kylie! I'm someone who isn't the biggest fan of suede, but it works here. Perfect color, perfect dress. The suede gives it the right amount of edge to turn this otherwise basic dress into a MUST HAVE!










35. Exposure Taupe Cut Out Bandage Dress
As soon as I found one dress that had been spotted on Kylie, I found another. It seemed that any outfit I had seen her sporting on Tumblr, which also caught my eye, had been from Mistress Rocks. I basically went through this website finding more and more pieces for this season. I've been loving her style lately. I like to call it rock n chic, which is just what this bandage dress says. It's just enough sexy with the darker, neutral, rockier color while still being part of that Fall color scheme.










36. Free Love White And Khaki Two Piece Set
Two Piece Set. It's all I have to say. They've been everywhere, so they HAD to make an appearance in my top picks. I am a bit more on the casual side, so I wanted something more simple. I tend to like simplicity over crazy... even though that's a bit contradicting. My mind says simplicity, but my heart says wild. Anyways, this is perfect. I'm all about the two piece sets that aren't exactly the same.










Lastly, the best place for basics is up. It's all about Brandy Melville.

37. Adalie Turtleneck Dress
There is no material that compares to Brandy Melville... I mean Topshop has some basics that could compare, but that's a different story. This dress is saying yes yes. It's turtleneck. It's grey. It's ribbed knit. It's the perfect dress to throw on your sneakers with for casual or a pair of your favorite black booties to dress up just a bit.







38. Tops
The array of options are basically endless. There's a style for everyone: tanks, tees, long sleeves, cropped, etc. The material is insane, too. If you want to wear a cloud, then these are it. They are ultra ultra soft. My current favorites, in no particular order, are the Genevie Top in black, which is a classic long sleeve top. The next one is the Arielle Top, it's a short red and striped top with a cute little, blacked out, breast pocket. The third and last, is the ever popular Luana Top. It always comes back, every year. It's the perfect over sized top that doubles as a shirt dress. Two words to describe these tops? Style + Comfort.

39. Sweaters
Similar to the tops, it's almost impossible to narrow it down to a handful of favorites. I wouldn't mind owning ever single piece. Anyways, the two sweaters that won me over, however, are the Gwen Sweater and the Leona Turtleneck Sweater. Gwen is a nice, cozy, pullover, while Leona is darker and more chic. Staple sweaters.


40. Graphics
Fall isn't right without graphics. The sucky thing is that they're really overpriced. I tend to get mine at Forever 21 or thrift shops. I also just like wearing old shirts, but if I'm going to spend $20+ on a simple graphic top it's from Brandy. Again, it's the quality. I mean who doesn't want to feel like they're wearing clouds? So, here are the three that I'd totally sport the most this season: You Can't Sit With Us Tank, Reagan Skeleton Top, and the It's Better In LA Top. All three are perfect for the season without being too casual to be cute. Because we all have those days we just throw on graphic shirts and just don't care.

Well that's it! Let me know if you guys like this and would want to see more posts like this in the future. Hope this helped your little Fall essential cravings.

Let me know what some of YOUR fall picks are for this year!

Xx

Friday, September 25, 2015

September Playlist

 
Even though, I've been utterly hooked on Bring Me The Horizon's new album (That's The Spirit), I have listened to some other cool tracks. I mean, maybe I snuck in a quick two BMTH songs to my September playlist, but I couldn't resist. I'm really digging this set of songs; there's tons of awesome tunes. The bolded ones have been on repeat for more than just September. If you're curious, check them out below. They're in no particular order.

  1. Avalanche - Bring Me The Horizon 
  2. Doomed - Bring Me The Horizon 
  3. Holy - PVRIS 
  4. Fire - PVRIS 
  5. Bulls In The Bronx - Pierce The Veil 
  6. If You Don't Know - 5 Seconds of Summer 
  7. Jet Black Heart - 5 Seconds of Summer 
  8. Somewhere I Belong - Linkin Park 
  9. Heart Shaped Box - Nirvana 
  10. All Around Me - Flyleaf 
  11. Sk8er Boi - Avril Lavigne 
  12. Never Giving Up - Of Mice & Men 
  13. Stressed Out - Twenty One Pilots 
  14. Heavydirtysoul - Twenty One Pilots 
  15. Love Myself - Hailee Steinfield 
  16. Famous Last Words - My Chemical Romance 
  17. Too Many Faces - Cherri Bomb 
  18. Shake The Ground - Cherri Bomb 
  19. Checkmarks - The Academy Is... 
  20. Black Mamba - The Academy Is... 
  21. Run - The Maine 
  22. Not Your Fault - AWOLNATION 
  23. The Hills - The Weeknd 
  24. Lydia - Highly Suspect 
  25. #icanteven - The Neighbourhood 
  26. Gasoline - Halsey 
  27. Colors - Halsey 
  28. Larger Than Life - Backstreet Boys 
  29. Drag Me Down - One Direction 
  30. This Ain't A Scene, It's an Arms Race - Fall Out Boy
 
Hope you guys enjoy it! 
 
Xx

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Bring Me The Horizon: Bringing The Spirit Or Mainstream?


If you didn't know this yet, Bring Me The Horizon released a new album, "That's The Spirit." It debuted in the second slot for The Billboard 200, and a lot of people have taken this chance to dub them Bring Me The Mainstream...

Ooh, the controversy. Well it's a good thing you have a choice as to what you listen to. There's no need to spread the bitter taste on your tongue; some people really enjoy the change in sound. They're different, but they're still Bring Me The Horizon. (In your face, Mike, I saw that "Bring Me The Mainstream" comment)

Lets get this straight, I've been a fan of Bring Me The Horizon for as long as I can remember. I first saw them back in 2009 and again at The Parks And Devastation Tour, last year. I grew up with this band, and it's been an awesome time seeing how much they've evolved as artists. Granted, I started listening to them during my angsty teen years, but I'm 21 and still going strong, so they're far from a phase, mum. I mean I guess you could say I've got that spirit, huh? Okay, bad pun. Anyways, I've definitely been waiting for this album. I've only now been able to rip myself away from listening to it on a never ending loop to write this. SO YEAH... it's more than good. I mean I listened to "Sempiternal" for almost as long as I did with this album when it first came out. If you haven't realized this now, Bring Me The Horizon is absolutely one of my favorite bands. Like I said earlier,"That's The Spirit," is different. It's a change in their sound, which I find myself welcoming with open arms.

So, now let me get started on this whole album review, track by track. Oi, take note that there's a commentary available on Spotify, that you can listen to. It's track by track, and it made the album so so much greater. There's power in interpreting something for yourself, but it's just as great to get an inside look to the creation and inspiration behind each track.

Okay, I'm starting this for real now!


1. Doomed- It definitely sets the tone for the album. Oli mentions in the commentary, how the album celebrates darkness, and you clearly hear it in the opener. There's this sense of romance that's embedded within the darkness. I can't help think of a mental state where you find yourself enjoying the destruction, and become hooked with the ease of it. It's safe to say, I was instantly hooked. I'm hooked with the lack of regret that this track holds. It's addicting to hear the lyrics that say what we've felt at some point, whether it was directed to someone or a situation.

Favorite part:
The sun don't shine but it never did
And when it rains, it fucking pours
But I think I like it
And you know that I'm love with the mess
I think I like it

So come rain on my parade
Cause I want to feel it
Come shove me over the edge
Cause my head is in overdrive

I'm sorry but it's too late
And it's not worth saving
So come rain on my parade
I think we're doomed
I think we're doomed
And now there is no way back

Score: 10/10


2. Happy Song- We're a little fucked in the head... I love how this song makes light of humanity, in a sense. We have this pool of emotions and actions, but we limit ourselves to a select few that are reserved in the back of our head for situations where we can't quite react genuinely? It's like when we rely on what we've been taught to do. We're told to always look at the positive... We could be crawling under our skin, but we manage to laugh, because that's more acceptable than speaking our mind. It's that bit that we're told at a young age... that someone else always has it worse, and we're basically conditioned to belittle our emotions and have this one person we need to be. I mean it's meant to give us awareness, that bit, but we take it as this idea that we have no right to feel what we feel. Our minds are a freaking maze, and we don't know where we're going. We're a mess, and this is the song that lets us know how messy our minds are.

Favorite Part:
We are possessed
We're all fucked in the head
Alone and depressed


But if we sing along
A little fucking louder
To a happy song
Maybe we'll forget cause'


Every now and again we get that feeling
And the great big void inside us opens up
And I really wish that you could help
But my head is like a carousel
And I'm going round in circles

I'm going round in circles
Score: 10/10 ...Give me a 1-0! 10! Lets here it


3. Throne- This felt like, YEAH! This is my jam. This is my let me shatter the limits all of these people have put on me cause I'm freaking amazing song. This was the you kicked me when I was down, but you wouldn't know that now song that I wanted so so bad from Bring Me...It felt like a personal push. I needed this put into music. It's endearing. I mean I've definitely had people pull be down and push me down. We've all had scars etched into our souls my those who just wanted to see us fail and just fall. It's welcoming all the bat shit badness and pain you've gone through, because it's made you this bad ass Queen/King that no one can crack now. For every punch they've given you, it's made you 10x stronger, preparing you for the opposite of what everyone hoped...

Favorite Part:
So you can throw me to the wolves
Tomorrow I will come back
Leader of the whole pack

Beat me black and blue
Every wound will shape me
Every scar will build my throne


I’ll leave you choking
On every word you left unspoken
Rebuild all that you’ve broken

And now you know
I’ll leave you choking
On every word you left unspoken
Rebuild all that you’ve broken
And now you know
Every wound will shape me
Every scar will build my throne
Score: 17/10


4. True Friends- Hey, you don't have to date someone for them to break your heart. I've definitely had my heart broken by friends more than guys... Let me tell you, this was a song that definitely brought people to mind for me... I listened to the commentary Oli did, and it was spot on. I felt this even before I heard his commentary, and I had this mental image of ripping memories. It's funny, because I think of all the things these people have done, one in particular, and it feels like a kick to everything that you are. You just want to rid yourself of them. They teach you that it's not the backstabbing that hurts most; it's the kind that you watch happen. We've all had these people in our lives; the ones we let rip us apart and forgive until you can't. It isn't hate that you hold for them; you don't hate them, but you don't care anymore. You forget them and take the lesson. There's just no point in exhausting yourself in an emotion like hate. I mean I have felt hate before, I'm human, but it's an emotion that I wouldn't waste on anyone anymore. I just forgot them, but I didn't forgive them. It's like a twist. My line has always been forgive but don't forget. Then people came around, and I realized nothing is ever that smooth. Exceptions happen sometimes, and that's just it... It's better to take it for what it is, a lesson.

Favorite Part:
So how dare you try and steal my flame
Just cause yours faded
Well hate is gasoline
A fire fueling all my dreams

(I’m afraid you asked for this)

You got a lot of nerve but not a lot of spine
You made your bed when you worried about mine
This ends now

I wouldn’t hold my breath if I was you
Cause I’ll forget but I’ll never forgive you
Don’t you know, don’t you know?
True friends stab you in the front

Score: 11/10


5. Follow You- I had to look and make sure it was Bring Me, when the song started. I was ecstatic with how different this was. It was still Bring Me, though. I felt that lyrical connection, in a way that I had never really experienced before with BMTH. I had a little cry to this, and couldn't help think of relationships where it has felt like the foundation was shattered, but staying was better than not having them. It's one of those this sucks right now, and we might as well hate each other, but I wouldn't dare wake up and have anyone else look at me other than you. It was hopeful in that sense, and it made me feel like okay, if I feel like a ghost without someone then they're a freaking special someone, and I want that one day. Hopeless romantic here. Let me love someone and have someone love me more than the emotions this song has injected into me. I mean it definitely made me miss having someone who I could see myself with spending the good and bad times... someone to share little things like fries with. Love is about being with someone who makes you feel like you're breathing for the first time. It's about getting through the rough times, even the worst. It's about being with someone you'd take on the world for, right? It made me want to feel real love. It made me want to feel that and have someone feel it for me, too. Yeah... I'm so glad this is on the album. Let me go listen to it 10000x again.

Favorite Part:
Cause I'm telling you you're all I need
I promise you you're all I see
Cause I'm telling you you're all I need
I'll never leave

So you can drag me through Hell
If it meant I could hold your hand
I will follow you cause I'm under your spell
And you can throw me to the flames
I will follow you, I will follow you

Come sink into me and let me breathe you in
I'll be your gravity, you be my oxygen
So dig two graves cause when you die
I swear I'll be leaving by your side

Score: 17/10


6. What You Need- I'm not ashamed to say I've sung this at the top of my lungs after dealing with some of the most annoying people. Too many people are closed off to change. They think they know everything, and it's off putting when they try to tell me what I should think. This track reminds me of all the times I've wanted to pull someone's eyes open in hopes that they would OPEN their eyes. There's so much we don't know, and the things we know are left for interpretation. No two people are the same. We're different, so why are some people so fixated on having others believe and think the same way they do? Anyways, where was this song in high school? I couldn't stand high school and being surrounded by close minded people who acted more like puppets than individuals. There has to be a point where they question everything and break down, because I can't imagine blindly believing one way and never even question things or changing. It's like saying I'm the same person I was at 16, and that's unsettling. I just can't stand people who act like they're above others, because they think they know it all and have the "right" views that will "forever remain the same."

Favorite Part:
Don't ask me why then roll your eyes at the answer
You want to fight, but I won't bite on the bait
And I'm not trying to change your eyes so don't panic
Cause I'm not selling

So don't tell me what I can't see
Cause we both know it's you, not me

You don't want this but it's what you need
And you'll see it when you believe

Score: 10/10


7. Avalanche- I related to the song and Oli's commentary hit home. He talked about his ADHD, and I found myself thinking of my own list. It helped feel like I'm not crazy. Bring Me has always magically come out with music that I've needed at the moment. I've grown up with them, and I think I needed this song. I felt like I was in a time wrap, but I also found that this song was still how I felt, now... It's frustrating feeling like everything is wrong and not understanding quite why. A big part of getting better is understanding, though, but when you don't know it's like you're drowning in yourself. You see yourself go under and watch yourself do/say things and not understand why you can't regain control. You feel useless and lost in your own mind, but sometimes it feels like a stranger, as you struggle to grasp control of anything... your emotions... your thoughts... anything. It feels like no one hears you. It's scary and relieving to sit in a room, then, and have someone tell you that something is wrong with you; this isn't how you're supposed to be. You're not a freak of nature... other peoples understand you.... They've gotten through it, and you will, too. I definitely found this song stirring feelings. I don't have ADHD, but I'm not a blank slate, so this song felt like an all too familiar mental monologue. It's this ongoing battle. Some days you find yourself feeling like you're stable, but you find yourself losing your balance on other days. It's not easy, but it's a process... and you just need to keep getting back up.

Favorite Part:
It's like an avalanche
I feel myself go under
Cause the weight of it's like hands around my neck

I never stood a chance
My heart is frozen over
And I feel like I am treading on thin ice

Am I broken? What's the chance I will survive?
Don’t sugarcoat me, cause I feel like suicide
Just give it to me straight cause I'm running out of time
I need an antidote, now what can you prescribe

It's like an avalanche
I feel myself go under
Cause the weight of it's like hands around my neck
I never stood a chance
My heart is frozen over
And I feel like I am treading on thin ice
And I'm going under


I need a cure for me cause a square doesn't fit the circle
Give me a remedy cause my head wasn't wired for this world
Score: 17/10


8. Run- It has a different sound, and I could see my step aerobics teacher playing this during a class. She's a cool teacher, okay? She does cool teacher stuff. Anyways, it's a new sound, but I find myself really enjoying the versatility in this album. I can't wait to hear it live. I'm excited to see how this translates on stage, as well. I'm really digging the dark romance that's intertwined into the lyrics and sound. It's not quite a lyrical favorite, but it really shows how far they've come. It makes me want to run from the world and live in bliss, but at the same time I feel like it's about accepting the darkness and not letting it quite consume you eternally.

Favorite Part:
Your hand's a hurricane, it moves in waves
A perfect storm that keeps you wide awake
But through the silence, you will feel it burn

So take my hand and let's run away
You know there's nothing here to make us stay
And in the darkness you will see the sun

Score: 10/10


9. Drown- This song was first released a lot earlier than the album and a lot of people were saying the sound was too different, and that Bring Me had sold out. I think this is another great representation of growth, for them, however. They're artists and have grown up in this industry... I mean music tastes change. A band is like that, too; as their music taste changes, their sound does as well. Bands take inspiration from their experiences, and it only makes sense that their music shows their growth. Bring Me has had an awesome musical journey from being this full out just loud instruments and music that my mum couldn't understand to this band that has perfected their craft and is showing just how far they've come. This song has a very special meaning to me. It's the perfect representation of what a battle with chronic depression feels like. I've had a long time with this song, and it's one of my favorite songs they've ever put out.

Favorite Part:
It comes in waves, I close my eyes.
Hold my breath and let it bury me.
I'm not okay, and it's not alright.
Won't you drag the lake and bring me home again?

Who will fix me now? Dive in when I'm down?
Save me from myself, don't let me drown.
Who will make me fight? Drag me out alive?
Save me from myself, don't let me drown.
 Score: 20/10


10. Blasphemy- Hypocrisy. Cynicism. I can't stand a lot of things, really. One of the things that drives me the most insane, though, is people who lie to themselves. I'm not going to tell someone how to live or what to believe, but I can't stand someone who lives a lie. I don't get people who don't change along with their views. Some people are just so stuck in their ways, that they don't care whether their words and actions match up, I guess? it's just annoying. This song is the perfect representation of that. People who live a lie. One life. It's all we get. Live it.

Favorite Part:
You got hell to pay but you already sold your soul
It's blasphemy
But the words don't make sense no more

What would your mother say, your faith that you ignored
So don't try to tell me that you still believe
No don't preach to me


Ask no questions and you'll get no lies
Turn the cheek and blind the eye
Let it go
Bend the knee and give away your life
Bite your tongue and close your mind
Never know

Score: 11/10


11. Oh No- In the commentary, Oli says how "everything good must come to an end," and while I agree it also feels a bit ironic. The bad also comes to an end, though. This song can be interpreted as a few things. At first I saw it as trying to live in a past time and finally coming to the understanding that you're not 10 anymore or 16 or whatever age... You're in the now and have to live that way. Then I listened to it a bit closer and realized, once more, the concepts tying together. In previous albums, there have been these stories about being addict, trying to stop, stopping, and then seeing it all in the past. This felt like that. This felt like the right song to tie all of the struggles together. It was the perfect closer for the album, as well. It's the light after the storm. It feels like a passing it on situation, too, where you see someone where you once were. You get to help them and show them how it gets after that shit storm just by letting them see you now. Then we have the sound, which is something I would have never expected from Bring Me. It almost feels like they're poking fun at a typical pop dance song while borrowing the sound a bit. They just show a lot of growth in this last track. It's a breath of fresh air that's contagious, and you can't help but be a ball of joy. I'm proud of it. I mean I didn't right it, but it feels like yeah... everything is going to be alright.

Favorite Part:
Don't call it a party cause it never stops
Now one is too many but it's never enough
Don't tell me you're happy cause this isn't love

So be careful what you wish for
So be careful what you wish for

Who you're trying to fool, you know you're in over your head
Cause you're holding onto heaven but you're hanging by a thread


No we're not on the level, you're just off your face
It's not a state of mind though, your head's just in a state
I may be on the outside but you're empty within
It's getting kind of old now, I think it's time to pack it in

Score: 11/10


It's safe to say that I absolutely love this album, and I do NOT think they've lost themselves. Mainstream isn't what I think when I hear Bring Me The Horizon, even now (no matter what that Mike guy says). We all look at the chart toppers, and it's not to diss anyone, but you rarely have those songs that talk about the things we're going through. Sure, there's the heartbreak songs topping the charts, but where are the lyrics talking about the other shit? We get depressed and have fears. We're scared of the world and having the core of who we are being misconstrud. We aren't always happy, and we go through phases. We're dealing with shit and just want to connect. If you haven't gotten this album, go get it now! It's also available on Spotify, so go listen to that there, too! Go GO GO! You WILL NOT REGRET IT!

Overall Album Score: 13


Friday, September 4, 2015

The Circle Of Life

Circles have all of these different meanings, but they'll always remind me of life. In this particular moment, especially, I realize how life is but a circle. I remember that one scene in that Chuck and Larry movie where the Vegas pastor, I think, talks about how life is like a circle. I kept imitating him for years, but he had a point...

From the moment we're born, the only sure thing in our lives is death. We're born, we live, and we die.
 
It sounds so bad, probably, but it isn't... I think what's horrible is the unknown. We fear dying, because it's so unknown to us. We see it as being robbed, but it's not that at all. Sometimes people die too soon... a lot of times, actually. Death isn't meant to be that way, though. I understand that with death someone is suddenly physically gone, and that can be difficult, too. I don't know how to feel or what to believe in regards to death, though. I do know that it's not bad--at least that's what I'm telling myself. Life is like a circle, and we're all part of that circle. It's okay. It sucks, but it's okay... or it will be okay.


I mean even plants go through this circle of life. You see these beautiful roses bloom and live out their beauty before they whither away... but not before they leave pieces of themselves behind to give life to the coming roses. I want to believe that people are the same. Whether they live out their life to their late late years or leave us too early, I want to believe they too leave behind these little seeds that will nurture us and help us grow.

It just sucks. I won't pretend that I'm anywhere near understanding, but I'm trying.
Life is beautiful, right? It has its ups and downs, but it's beautiful. Life and death are one in the same, so I should accept death the same way?

I think it isn't meant to be easy, and it may make me selfish, but it's not easy knowing that you won't ever see someone again. You think about all the moments you could have spent with them, that you didn't.

Today my grandad passed away. I have never seen my mum this way. She's a fairly strong woman, and she's quite religious. She has this strong Italian personality--fiery as can be--and yet she's also gentle. I've seen her go through many different moods, considering I was a hurricane as a child. i was always climbing walls... and falling off of said walls. I was running through mud and getting her favorite curtains filthy. I was a handful... Anyways, I've never seen her like today.

It breaks my heart.

I was close to my grandad when I was younger. I haven't seen him in years, though. In early June, he had a stroke and there was just so much going on before that and after. I've spent my time looking at my mum, more than anything. I feel frozen inside, but I also feel gutted seeing my mum.

I think about how she flew out to see him, back in June. I was the only one who didn't want to go. She understood why. It makes me question how good I am at handling death, because I run from it. I couldn't bare the though of seeing him how he was. I had known him in his prime. He was tall and lean but his shoulders were quite broad. He smiled with his eyes, blue like the ocean. His hair was sandy blonde and he had a laugh that was absolutely contagious. He was one of the few people, who from a young age, planted in me to follow my dreams. He's from a different time, with a different mindset, but he seemed to understand that I was a firecracker. I was his little lion, and he would listen to me perform these songs that I'd come up with on the spot. At 8, he was someone who I couldn't picture my life without. He was just a constant.

I saw him less and less as I grew up, but he had already left his mark...


I had heard about how he was after the stroke and coma--a mere shell of himself--and I knew that I was never going to see him again, because I wanted to remember him as I knew him. I understand how selfish that was, but I couldn't get myself to see him connected to tubes. I didn't understand why they didn't let him die, in that moment. I knew he was in pain, and I was mad. I was mad that after the doctors had said he would never be okay, they prolonged it all. Then again i felt selfish, because I also wanted him to survive. I wanted a miracle to happen. I wanted him to wake up as if it had all been a dream, and he would give me one of those "why do you buy jeans with holes? I can just cut them up for you for free" talks. He'd tell me how I was finally blonde again, and he'd be happy.

I'm so confused.

I don't feel like the little lioness he treated me as. I don't feel strong at all. I find it hard to breathe. I find it hard to think. I didn't realize how affected I was until I started writing this. 

But, I mean he lived his life, and he left his mark on people. He was so kind... but I can't help be selfish. He died in peace, after so much pain. I'm glad he went that way, but I can't help wish he hadn't left. I understand he was in pain and had already lived out his life, but he's gone.

I can't imagine how my mum is feeling. I can't imagine how my gran is. I lost my grandad, my mum lost her dad, but gran lost her love. They were so amazing together. They were the spitting image of an epic romance novel...


My grans... I wonder how she's supposed deal with this. That makes this whole thing harder. How do you have the person you've grown with for decades disappear and be okay with it? You're not okay with it, but how do you keep going? How do you look around your home at all of the memories and thing you've created together without the lump in your throat? How do you look back at all the good without the present drowning you?

I guess this is supposed to help me. It's supposed to make me stronger, with time, right? I don't know if that's what I want. I don't care for that, right now. I want to understand. I want everyone around me to be okay, and I don't want to feel this way inside. I want him to be okay.

I don't know what I believe in. I was raised Catholic, but loss has a way of making you doubt things. From a young age, people have died. I've prayed and lost them all the same, so I don't know what I believe in. I like learning about others' religions. I like asking questions. I like to learn. Right now, though, I'm not afraid to admit that I'm a mess. I'll be okay, but I can't help miss him. I'm just glad he lived out his life the way he did. He had a glorious happy life, and I'm happy about that. Life is a circle, right? The good, the bad, none of it makes a difference... it keeps going...

Xx